will talk about we need to continue to build the economy from the middle class out and things like education and manufacturing. >> governor romney's focus is talking directly to the voters about what his plans are to strengthen the middle class and get this economy back on track. >> shepard: and with millions of undecided voters still out there, the stakes could not be higher. tonight, the home stretch in the race for the white house. plus, it's not just the candidates who are in the hot seats. a closer look at debate moderators and why the pressure is more intense than ever before. and good evening from the university of denver where we are just two hours away from an historic and high stakes showdown. president obama and governor mitt romney facing off here in their first debate. with less than five weeks to go until election day, a live look now at the stage here in denver. analysts say both men have a lot of on the line tonight. the president trying to hang on to what is a slim lead in the national polls and most battleground states. governor romney trying to shake up the race by making